Boost in sheep trade, live shipments up

The sheep trade was boosted last week by the announcement of two further live shipments of lambs before the end of this month. Trade is also being helped by steady demand across our main export markets. This is according to the latest Bord Bia Sheep Watch market report.

It found quotes for lamb were generally making between €5.20-5.30/kg, with more available for Quality Assured lamb. Prices paid for cull ewes were generally making between €1.90-2.00/kg.

It said weekly sheep supplies for the week ending the 6 July were around 7,800 head higher compared to the same week in 2012 at 56,200 head. To date this year, sheep supplies are 156,000 head higher.

With regards to trade across the UK, the food authority’s report said it remains relatively steady this week as supplies match demand levels. By the weekend, new season lamb at live markets across England and Wales were making the equivalent of around €5.75/kg dw. In France, trade has firmed on the back of tightening French lamb supplies.

“By the end of the week, the Irish Grade1 lamb was making close to €6.00/kg. Demand for Irish product over the coming weeks is expected to remain strong due to tight supplies combined with weather conditions to remain fine,” it concluded.